“What a beautiful horse Sir Erec used to be. Your center is going out to them,” mentioned Henderson.

De Boinville added: “You by no means love to win a race when that has took place. Ideas are with Sir Erec’s connections.”

Retired 20-time champion jockey Sir AP McCoy, who’s an adviser to McManus, informed ITV Racing: “I am heartbroken. It is without doubt one of the hardest issues in regards to the game.”

A raft of latest protection measures had been introduced in for this yr’s Competition after six horses died on the assembly 12 months in the past. A 7th horse later died after struggling accidents on the fixture.

Cheltenham Competition: How government are aiming to support horse welfare

Racing’s rulers had been underneath drive to support protection from welfare teams and a few politicians.

Sir Erec used to be despatched off because the 11-10 favorite for the Triumph Hurdle after teacher Joseph O’Brien reported that he had recovered from a sore foot final week.

The pony misplaced a entrance shoe earlier than the race and the competition used to be not on time for a number of mins as a farrier fitted a brand new one.

After the damage, Nice British Racing leader govt Rod Boulevard mentioned on Twitter: “Oh my phrase. Status there as this kind of gents having his shoe changed and taking a look stunning. Then long past. Deficient #SirErec What a low following the day before today’s highs.”

It used to be an overly other temper to the day prior to this when Cheltenham used to be cheered by way of heartwarming wins for Frodon and Paisley Park.

As a part of new measures this yr, each and every of the runners needed to go through veterinary assessments earlier than being allowed to race.”

David Sykes, director of equine well being and welfare on the British Horseracing Authority, informed ITV: “There used to be no explanation why we can have predicted that damage.

“Previously when he used to be checked, the vets reported he moved smartly and had no indication of lameness or accidents.”

A observation from the BHA added: “We proportion within the disappointment of everybody concerned within the game in regards to the deadly accidents incurred by way of Ballyward, Sir Erec and Invitation Best this week. Our ideas are with everybody attached to the horses.

“Whilst the whole damage price has decreased considerably this yr, there’ll all the time be a component of chance that may by no means be completely eradicated.”

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